Detective Pikachu Returns is back with a hands-on preview that showcases new features and tricks that are sure to shake up the series. In this Pokémon-themed mystery, you’ll get to see a different side of the Pokémon world, one that we rarely see in the mainline games focused on collecting and battling. The sequel to the 2018 Nintendo 3DS game takes us on another adventure centered around the mysterious disappearance of Tim Goodman’s father, Harry Goodman. With improved presentation and higher production values, combined with a livelier Rime City and an increased number of Pokémon to interact with, Detective Pikachu Returns offers a delightful and light-hearted mystery story that will captivate Pokémon fans. Uncover clues, chat with persons of interest, and explore the environment to push the story forward. And don’t be surprised when you get to play as Pikachu and experience Rime City from the perspective of the coffee-obsessed detective. With unique interactions and charming moments, Detective Pikachu Returns promises to be a fun adventure for both new and longtime fans alike. Get ready to join the investigation when it launches on the Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023.
In a hands-on preview by GameSpot, Detective Pikachu Returns gives us a taste of what to expect in this highly anticipated sequel. The game offers a different take on the Pokémon universe compared to the movie, with the storyline revolving around Tim Goodman’s search for his missing father. As players, we’ll get to explore sectioned off areas, chat with humans and Pokémon, and gather evidence to solve the mysteries. The improved presentation and larger explorable areas, filled with an increased number of Pokémon, add depth and complexity to the cases. Furthermore, players will have the chance to play as Pikachu at times, allowing us to understand what Pokémon are saying and experiencing the world from their perspective. With its captivating charm and nods to Pokémon lore, Detective Pikachu Returns promises to be an exciting and enjoyable adventure that Pokémon fans won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for its release on October 6, 2023, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.
Detective Pikachu Returns Hands On Preview
Overview
Detective Pikachu Returns is a highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 Nintendo 3DS game that offers a different take on the Pokemon universe. While the mainline entries in the series focus on collecting, battling, and training, Detective Pikachu Returns taps into Pokemon’s infectious charm to tell a light-hearted mystery story. In this article, we will delve into the gameplay mechanics of the game, explore the expanded Rime City, discuss the gathering of clues, highlight playing as Pikachu, examine Pokemon references and implementations, take a closer look at the encounter with Pawn Yard, and discuss the building of unique interactions. Finally, we will reveal the release date of this exciting game.
Exploring Rime City
Rime City, the setting for Detective Pikachu Returns, has undergone significant changes. The explorable areas are notably bigger, allowing players to delve into more sections of the city and uncover hidden secrets. The population of Pokemon in the city has also increased, creating a livelier and more dynamic environment. These improvements not only enhance the overall visual experience but also have the potential to impact the cases players will encounter. With a larger area to cover and more witnesses to question, players will have to rely on their detective skills to solve the mysteries that unfold in Rime City.
Gathering Clues
Gathering clues is a crucial aspect of Detective Pikachu Returns. As the protagonist, Tim Goodman, players will interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) and search for the elusive red Pokemon that frequented the burgled house. Interactions with NPCs will provide crucial information and testimonies, which are automatically added to Tim’s Notebook. Players will have to collect enough evidence and carefully piece together the clues to progress in the story. If you make a wrong deduction, Detective Pikachu will notify you, giving you the opportunity to try again. This mechanic adds an element of challenge and critical thinking to the gameplay, ensuring a fully immersive detective experience.
Playing as Pikachu
A unique feature in Detective Pikachu Returns is the ability to play as Pikachu. This perspective shift allows players to understand the language of Pokemon and provides a fresh and exciting gameplay experience. Playing as Pikachu opens up new possibilities for interactions and adds an extra layer of depth to the story. It also creates potential for dramatic or comedic moments, as Pikachu may choose to withhold information from Tim, his human companion. This dynamic between Tim and Pikachu adds an interesting dynamic to the gameplay and contributes to the overall charm of the game.
Pokemon References and Implementations
One of the highlights of Detective Pikachu Returns for long-time Pokemon fans is the attention to detail in referencing and implementing the characteristics and abilities of Pokemon. Yasunori Yanagasawa, senior creative director at Creatures Inc, emphasized the satisfaction that fans will find in this aspect of the game. An example of this careful implementation is the inclusion of the Darkened Steel type Pokemon, Pawn Yard. Throughout the mainline series, Pokedex entries mention Pawn Yard’s fondness for a sharpening rock. In Detective Pikachu Returns, players will encounter a giant rock that Pawn Yard hacks at after a battle. While more intimidating, this portrayal still retains the cute factor that fans have come to love.
Encounter with Pawn Yard
A significant encounter in Detective Pikachu Returns involves tracking down Pawn Yard, a Darkened Steel type Pokemon. The journey begins with locating Pawn Yard’s favorite sharpening rock in the park. Players can choose to wait, stand on the rock, or sing to draw out Pawn Yard. Singing proves to be the correct answer and leads to Detective Pikachu belting out a catchy tune. When Pawn Yard finally arrives, players are greeted with an adorable scene of two whimsicots, cotton ball grass and fairy type Pokemon, carrying the hefty little warrior through the sky. This encounter showcases the unique and heartwarming interactions the game has to offer.
Building Unique Interactions
Detective Pikachu Returns leverages the charm of Pokemon to build unique interactions throughout the game. From heartwarming scenes like the whimsicots carrying Pawn Yard to comedic moments between Tim and Pikachu, the game is filled with delightful vignettes that make the adventure even more enjoyable. These interactions enhance the overall experience and cater to the expectations of Pokemon fans. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, Detective Pikachu Returns will provide fun moments and a sense of adventure.
Release Date
Detective Pikachu Returns will be launching exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023. With its improved presentation, expanded gameplay mechanics, and engaging storyline, the game promises to be a must-play for Pokemon fans and lovers of mystery games alike. Get ready to step into the shoes of Tim Goodman and embark on an unforgettable journey through the lively and captivating world of Detective Pikachu Returns.
You will be delighted to know that the coffee obsessed Pikachu is making a comeback, bringing along some exciting new tricks and features that have the potential to shake up the series. In our hands-on preview, you get the opportunity to dive into 20 minutes of the Pokemon-themed mystery and experience it firsthand.
